Sternly Charged Transcript

So many times, I hear of a Jesus that is meek and mild. We have this image of a baby in a manger. This is the only Jesus some folks know. Some have a Jesus image of someone that is supplying needs. Some have a view of Jesus as the one who always fixes everything. A Jesus is that only loves, only giving. Maybe a Jesus that is never close or personal.

Today, I will show you a non-traditional Jesus with what it implies.

INTRO

Be certain that the Jesus of the Bible was born in a manger, did supply the needs of the hungry and disenfranchised. He still loves and gives. He is still gracious and merciful.

But be clear. Jesus was an intense person, and he made things personal.

In Mark 1 is the account of Jesus and a leper.

This man was covered with leprosy. His affected nerves would quit working and his flesh would literally rot off.

He came begging Jesus for help. He may have already heard of Jesus’ miracles and his power. He believed Jesus could make a big difference if he chose to. He said, “You can fix me if you want to.”

Jesus had pity on him. He felt compassion. He was moved to do something. Jesus said he would. Jesus reached out and TOUCHED a leper – he TOUCHED him. WOW! And as soon as he touched the leper, the disease vanished. Completely cured. Instantly.

Now pay attention to what happened next. It is not the traditional picture of Jesus.

Mar 1:43-44 And Jesus STERNLY CHARGED him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

It says Jesus STERNLY charged him. I looked up the Greek words and learned it literally means to “snort with anger”. It is a kind of indignation.

How can I picture this? Well, it is not quite as strong as “getting in someone’s face”, but it is far stronger than a wimpy, “please, do this..”

Jesus knows everything about everyone, including this leper. So, he talked directly, intensely, and powerfully to his man in a way he would pay attention and do what Jesus said. Jesus did not give him some new action to perform but told him to do what the Law of Moses had always said. And his actions would be enough proof of the healing. No publicity was needed by Jesus. Jesus just wanted the man to do what the scriptures said.

MAYBE this man was a bit hard-headed. None of us are like, are we? (sarcastic). MAYBE this man was so surprised by the miracle he needed to be settled down and told what he should do. MAYBE he had ADHD.

The fact is, we are not told why Jesus was STERNLY charging him.

But the fact remains, that Jesus gave his message to the man at “point-blank” range. And he should have obeyed.

What if God, through the Bible, delivers a message you don’t feel good about, but it is at “point-blank” range? What do you do?

God has told us straight up that no homosexual can go to heaven.

God has told us straight up that adultery is wrong.

Look in Romans 1 at all the different things he has plainly told us that are self-destructive and will keep us from heaven.

And if God also tells you how to have all these sins removed, and he tell you at point-blank range, what will you do. Before you answer, Please take time to watch the videos you see listed in the additional resource section, below.

But consider that it is a non-traditional Jesus talking almost sternly to you.

How will you respond?

This leads to a teaser for the next video in this series. We will be looking at the consequences of his disobedience.

If you have a Bible question or a subject you would like us to address, please get in touch with us today, right now. Pick up your phone. Call this number, or send a text here. You can also use the contact page. Timeless Talks is ready to help.

Thanks for your valuable time spent watching this video. Until we can visit again, well, goodbye for now.